Indian Wedding- BLAST!

No celebration, world-wide, could compare to a true, Indian wedding. These people go ALL OUT! Indian parents pride themselves on finding a good family and a good match for their children. When the big day comes, they couldn't be happier and they invite everyone, and I mean EVERYONE to share in their happiness. There are so many wedding "functions" prior to the actual event... The groom and his family are spoiled by the bride's family and showered with gifts and sweets. The bride is pampered by all of the women in her family with material, jewels, henna and polish. Everyone is running around like crazy, hopping from party to party, and this is BEFORE the formal wedding dinner, party and ceremony!

Unlike Americans, Indians party first then attend the personal ceremony afterward. So walking in to an Indian wedding means walking in to fun, feasts, and dancing. When I visited my first Indian wedding bash, I patiently anticipated the grooms arrival, who (on his own good time) finally showed up a few hours later! The best part was, I couldn't even see him coming because a few hundred people (the groom's guests) were paving the way for him on the dark roads. From a distance I could see the precession slowly making their way, I could hear the live drums ripping through the crowd, and I could feel the floor trembling. As the madness approached, I could faintly make out the silhouette of the groom from the torches which were being carried around him. Caught up in the moment were the singing and dancing party of people in front of the groom- the biggest street party I have ever witnessed! And behind the chaos sat the groom... on horseback! Dressed in all white from head to toe, he rode tall and proud behind his family and friends. He wore a stunning, white headpiece which covered his face, and wouldn't reveal himself until greeted by the bride's family.

After the grand entrance and a million traditions later, the groom (headpiece off) sat on stage waiting for the bride to come down the aisle. And suddenly there she was- looking like an Indian GODDESS! Her suit was covered in every kind of embroidery, design, jewel, gem, rhinestone, pattern you could think up. The jewelry... wow. Intense. Next thing you know her mom shoved me next to her and there I was, walking her down the aisle! I look scared as hell. I was totally self-conscious thinking, "Okay, I met her this morning, I don't know if this constitutes a friendship worthy of maid-of-honor status" but that was just my western mind rambling. My new-found Indian self realized, "Indians want to share their joy with everyone. These people have accepted me into their family." That last thought truly registered when I woke up the next morning in a bed with five of my new family members. The after-math of a wedding can be brutal- around 30 people sleeping under one roof. Personal space? Not in India!!!

To make a long story short, It was awesome. Check out the pics. :)

Trip to THE GOLDEN TEMPLE

The Golden Temple is the Sikh house of worship located in Amritsar, and was originally known as Harmandar (the Temple of God).

Guru Nanek (1469-1539 A.D) was the founder of Sikhism. He believed the Ultimate Truth of spirituality is latent in every man, and it has to be brought out by "sincere, self-less, and life-long Sadhana (practice)." Sikhism is an inviting religion to all people because of the universal teachings of Guru Nanek. He did not believe in the caste system and emphasized the importance of a brotherhood between all men. As a friend to humanity, Nanek introduced the institution of "Langer" (Community Kitchen) to rise above casteism, which he claimed was an "artificial barrier between man and man." At the Golden Temple and other Sikh houses of worship, you will find rich and poor alike, Indian or Westerner, volunteering together to cook, clean, and share a meal with all common men.

The Harmander, or Golden Temple, has been preserved with tremendous sacrifice. Again and again Sikhs avenged their holy temple and often include their religious martyrs in regular prayers. They believe, "To die a coward is the greatest sin" and are known for their spirit of sacrifice.

I was personally touched by the spiritual dedication Sikhs have. Thousands of people stood in line for hours just to step inside their gold plated haven. Once inside it was like a religious mosh-pit and everyone was struggling for a spot to kneel in front of the priest to give and receive a blessing. Sikhs are also known for their constant hymning and meditation, and can be found deep in harmony at their temples 24 hours a day. When I woke up to catch a 5:00am train out of Amritsar, I could here the low rumble of light Sikh voices filling the city.

Just another Mexican, Italian, Irish, Indian girl!!!

Check out the bindis! Red, orange, gold, glitter, shiny, felt, rhinestone... If it is stuck between your eyes, it is a BINDI! Indian women take pride in their bindis and love matching them to their outfits. Traditional women wear bindis as a symbol of being married, but most ladies "rock the bindi" now just to be fashionable.

Who thought I was gonna get skinny?

Food, food, food, and more food. It is everywhere. Indians show their love through food and spoil guests with trays of spicy snacks, cookies, crackers, sweets, and more. After firing down a thousand cups of hot chai along with your goodies, expect more food.

Indians also love talking about food. The first three questions you will hear in India (after the notorious "Are you married?" followed by "Why not?") are:

1. Have you had your breakfast?
2. Have you had your lunch?
3. Have you had your dinner?

Now, despite their own food fetish, Indians looove discussing my body type. So after treating me to a dish of salty and spicy grub, I am also served a side of unexpected commentary. My Indian homies often tell me that I could reduce, how cute and plump I am, that my outfit isn't suiting me, and that I look quite fat in that. Ah! The truth hurts! The miles of material I wear everyday doesn't help my figure. Oh, What to do!

Historic Treasures